"Mom, I can't go to the same college as my brother!" Morticia exclaimed from the kitchen.
"Too late. You're already admitted. Besides, having your brother with you gives me peace of mind," her mother, Ava, replied calmly from the living room. Rolling her eyes, Morticia peeked out from the kitchen, locking eyes with her mother. "Mom, Vincent is a wizard. He literally tormented me in high school." Vincent, lounging nearby with his legs crossed and sipping a smoothie, winked at her. Morticia felt the urge to gouge his eyes out. "College is full of all kinds of people, Morty, and that scares me. I've been there-it's a whole new world. A sweet, innocent soul like you needs someone to guide you. Your brother's in his third year; he'll help you," her mother said, her tone final. Morticia knew there was no changing her mind. "Stop overreacting, sis. I've always protected you in high school. Want me to start telling you all the stories?" Sure, he protected her from bullies, but he also kept her from living a normal life. Vincent was one of the most popular, handsome guys in school-a great dancer, and every girl would swoon just to watch him. Meanwhile, she was the nerdy sister, always in glasses, oversized sweatshirts, and a pale face. People approached her not for who she was but because of her brother. She remembered her first relationship in high school. Her boyfriend dumped her after just three days. He said, "C'mon Morticia, I only dated you because of your brother. He's hot, famous, and hard to approach. I thought dating you would get me closer to him, but he hates me. So, goodbye, Nerdy." She also recalled overhearing a friend insult her behind her back. "Are you really that clueless? I only befriended you because I have a crush on your brother. Just seeing him makes me wet. I thought being close to you would get me close to him, but I was wrong. He doesn't even notice me." Morticia was just a shadow, insignificant next to him. People even questioned if they were really siblings because they seemed so different. The only person who truly loved her for who she was was her best friend, who came from India, and though her family wasn't wealthy, she earned a scholarship to their high school. They had planned to go to the same college, but Morticia knew her mother wouldn't agree, especially since the school wasn't up to her standards. Still, Morticia wanted to be with her true friend. Now, that plan was shattered. Rhea would be devastated. "When is Klaus coming over? I thought you said he was back from his trip," Morticia overheard her mother say. Her heart skipped a beat at the name-Klaus. It sounded like music, but also like a nightmare. If Vincent was a wizard, Klaus was the devil. Everything he did made her heart flutter, yet he broke it over and over again with each new girlfriend. The girls he dumped often took their frustrations out on her, some even threatening to kill her. 'Stay away from Klaus, or I'll roast your pûssy' she recalled how one of those girls obsessed with Klaus slammed her back to the locker and threatened. Some even secretly bullied her... But it was impossible to avoid Klaus. He was always around, treating her like a little sister-a fact she hated. She wanted him to look at her with affection, but she wasn't his type. He liked hot, sassy, and experienced girls. She was none of those things. "Oh, he'll be here soon," her brother responded. Morticia glanced down at herself. Her white apron was stained with sauce, her face pale, her hair a mess. Panic surged in, she was in a mess, she can't meet him like this, after many months of meeting him last. She quickened her pace, eager to change quickly. She served breakfast while she could hear her mother excitedly chatting about Klaus coming over soon. Ava had always considered Klaus like a son. She was even close friends with Klaus's mother, as they both thrived in the modeling industry-well-known and popular. "I wonder how he looks now. Gosh, it's been months since I last saw him; I bet he's even more handsome!" The excitement was clear in Ava's voice as Morticia approached the table. "Stop acting weird, Mom," Morticia said, nearly rolling her eyes before heading back to the kitchen to grab some water. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and without warning, the door swung open, revealing him. "Yo, look who's here, my Sinful motherfucker!" Vincent exclaimed from the living room. Morticia's heart skipped a beat. He's here! Already?! She heard Klaus's familiar deep voice mingling with her mother's cheerful greetings. Her heart raced as she glanced down at the glasses of water she was holding. How was she going to make it to her room without Klaus seeing her like this? "Hey, Morty! Klaus is here!" her mother announced, and Morticia bit her lip, feeling overwhelmed. "Morty," her mother said, entering the kitchen with a raised eyebrow. "What are you doing?" "Just getting the water," Morticia shrugged, trying to mask her nervousness. "Well then, hurry up. Let me help you," Ava offered, taking the remaining two glasses from the counter. Morticia followed her mother out of the kitchen, her eyes settling on the demigod, chatting and laughing with her brother. He wore his usual black sleeveless shirt, revealing the black inked tattoos that ran through his muscular arms-an evident to his workouts. One thing she loves the most was the way he clicked his tongue, running it along the ring on his inviting pink lips, his well-chiseled jaw moving slightly. It made him look freaking hot. His disheveled hair and the glittering earring caught the light in the living room. His black-metallic eyes shifted to her and her heart skipped a beat. How could he look ten times more handsome than the last time she saw him? "Hey, Bunnie," his thick, hoarse voice snapped her out of her reality. 'Bunnie' was the nickname he had given her. He chuckled, scrutinizing her. "Fuck. You look like a ghost." Morticia's cheeks burned with embarrassment. "That's what I deal with every day. I pray to God every night that she won't strangle me in my sleep," Vincent chimed in. "Fuck you Vincent." "Wow she curses too. That's a big surprise there" Klaus chuckled. "How have you been?" "Good, welcome back Klaus" she said quickly. "I'll go change upstairs," Dropping the glasses on the table, she rushed up to her room. After a few minutes, she returned with her hair in a bun, her face washed, and hiding behind her glasses. She wore a grey hoodie and sweatpants. Her mother asked Klaus about his trip to visit his father, one of the richest businessmen in New York and they chatted lively, except her, who kept stealing a glance of Klaus. "Morty is attending the same college as you, Klaus and Vincent," Ava suddenly mentioned, causing Morticia to groan inwardly. Maybe she should hand her mother a microphone so she could announce it to the world. "Right, Vincent told me," Klaus smiled, a perfect smile. "Don't let her out of your sight, Klaus." "Mom, I'm not a kid," Morticia snapped. "Yes you are" Vincent butted in. "I'm nineteen" "The word teen is still there. You're a kid, Bunnie," Klaus spoke and they both laughed. These two devils. "Klaus, do you mind spending the night here? Or maybe a few days?" Ava suddenly asked. Morticia choked and her face reddened. Not like Klaus haven't spent the night here before, but his morning look was intensely hot, and she was going to face that. "Sure" he replied and she bit her lips. Gosh, she was about to have a sleepless night."Really?" Rhea exclaimed on the other side of the video call."Yes, really! I... I don't know what to do. It's driving me nuts," Morticia complained."Can't you just tell him? You've been crushing on him since you were twelve." This wouldn't be the first time Rhea urged her to confess her feelings to Klaus."For the millionth time, it's impossible. He doesn't see me that way; he's way out of my league. Vincent would go crazy once he finds out I think of his Bestfriend like that... I'll just try to bury these feelings," the words felt like a lie on Morticia's lips. Her heart had a mind of its own around that demigod."Oh yeah? And how long have you been trying to kill those feelings?""I don't know... I guess I'll just keep trying," she mumbled. "I hope you're okay. You know we... plan to...""No, it's fine. Washington is way better than here. I knew your mother wouldn't agree to send you to a low-tier school," Rhea said. "But the good part is... you're at the same college as your chil
'Wet dreams? What does he mean by wet dreams?'Think, Morticia, think. Wet... dreams... Wait, could it be..."Hey!" Her fist flew to his chest. He didn't flinch, not even a little. "Wet dreams? Do I look like a kid who dreams about wetting the bed? Screw you, bonehead!"Klaus's face turned stunned. She doesn't know what wet dreams are. A chuckle tore out of his throat. She's so innocent, and he loved teasing her."You don't look happy to see me, Bunnie. I thought you'd miss me, but I guess I was wrong.""Why would I miss a bonehead like you? Not only do I have my brother to tease me, but now you too. A few seconds ago, you even thought I'd wet my bed," she snapped, her voice just quiet enough not to wake the others.He chuckled. "That's not what I meant...""Whatever... I'm going to bed," she snapped and turned to leave."What about the bowl of ice cream you're craving?" he asked, and she halted.Wait, how does he know?Klaus scoffed and went to get the ice cream for her. "Here, you u
"Hey, little nerd. Long time, no see," Nica greeted as she sat beside her, while Dimitri sat with Klaus, arms folded."Hey," Morticia greeted awkwardly."If you don't want them here, I can send them away," Klaus said coldly."No, no, it's fine," she shook her head. They'd hate her if she said yes."It's really nice to see you here, Morticia. I can't believe we're going to be attending the same college," Dimitri said, her voice dripping with sarcasm."Right? I can't believe that either," she mumbled, glancing over at Klaus, who was quiet, wearing his usual cold look."How about you come to my birthday party tonight?" Dimitri offered, and Morticia swallowed hard. She was inviting her to a party? Her?Klaus finally looked up. "No, she's not.""Why not? It'll be fun to have her there. You're showing her around, right? She should get to know the college better," Nica chimed in."It's not a place for her. She's not going.""Why are you deciding for me? I can make my own decisions," Morticia
Morticia's cheeks burned under Klaus' intense gaze. Was this the right thing to do?His expression shifted quickly, replaced by his usual cold demeanor."How do I look?" she asked, excitement clear in her voice."Good," he said with a shrug, and Morticia's face fell. "Let's go," he added, leaving the room first.Good? Just good, after all the effort she put into dressing up?"I don't think he even noticed me," Morticia muttered as Nica drove them to the party. Dimitri and Klaus were in another car, already ahead."Tsk... Sin never tells a girl she looks good. He usually tells them to fuck off. But you, you're different.""That's not the first time he's said I look good," she mumbled. What was the point of all this? Though something felt different this time, she couldn't quite place it.Maybe he only said it to avoid hurting her feelings because she was Vincent's sister.Morticia expected the birthday party to be a typical event, filled with well-wishes and gifts, but it was nothing li
Morticia managed to get home, though she was shocked to have seen a taxi around at such a late hour. She slammed the door with a light thud after paying the driver.As she entered the house, the taxi driver made a call."I've brought her home, Sin," he said and drove away.Morticia quietly walked into the house. Her mother was sleeping on the couch with the television still on. She switched off the television and covered Ava with a blanket before heading to her own room.The weight of what had happened at the party crushed down on her, and her heart felt like it was ripping apart.She sat on the floor, resting her back against the door, and began to let her emotions out.Why did she have to fall for a jerk like him? She had asked herself this question several times and still got no answer.After crying for a long while, she drew out her diary and wrote:"Dear diary, Klaus has hurt me again. I knew getting into Washington College was a terrible idea. This is going to be hard, but I pro
Dimitri was beaten until she passed out. Nica and the other girls then took her to the nearby clinic.Klaus didn't care, even though he knew this might cause a stir, especially with Simon.Dimitri was Simon's cousin!The moment he saw the bruises on Morticia, her face wet with tears and her blouse soaked in apple juice, he wanted to end whoever did it.The picture of her pitiful state popped up on the school blog, and immediately, a comment from Vincent's account appeared.~Delete this, or I'll fucking hunt you.~Almost immediately, the post was deleted. Klaus gritted his teeth, frustrated that he hadn't gotten the name of the blogger before it vanished. He'd ask Vincent when he saw him."Ahhh," Morticia winced at the sting on her knee as Klaus helped her treat it."I didn't even put much. Stop being dramatic," he said, his voice cold, still showing his anger.Morticia took a moment and stared at his serious face, watching him as he brought out the bandage to dress her wound. Every si
Morticia's dorm preparation was finally approved, though her mother didn't love the idea, as she wanted to see her every single day."It'll be fine. I'm sure I'm going to have a really nice roommate," Morticia said to her overreacting mother as they drove to her school."What if she's bad? What if she hurts you or influences you in a bad way?" Ava asked."They won't, and for the millionth time, I'm not a kid. I can handle myself," Morticia sighed, then recalled something. "Right, Mom, what does Morticia mean?""Morticia? Why are you asking about the meaning of your name?" Ava asked."Just curious," Morticia shrugged."I got your name from my favorite movie, The Addams Family. Since we have the last name Addams and Morticia Addams was my favorite character in the movie, I decided to name my daughter after her," Ava shrugged."So, you don't know the meaning?""Nope. It sounds nice, so it should be nice. Go online and search."Morticia didn't like being online. Her phone's purpose was fo
Klaus watched her face contorted into shock and confusion. He didn't know why he said that, and also didn't know if he actually meant those words.Dirty things? With a girl he took as a sister.The same crazy thought that had dived into him when he saw her at Nica's place, descending down the stairs. He blamed that on Nica and ignored the stupid thought that had surged through him.Now she was in her usual clumsy dress, yet the way she said his nickname, brushing her tongue over her lips, bought the weird thought into him again...He won't deny the fact that he noticed the changes on Morticia, the day he arrived from the business trip with his father. He had roughly noticed the weight she had gained from the right place of a woman feature...Mehn! Klaus that's Vincent's fucking sister. Bunnie, the nerd. You should protect! Not drag her down into your own sinful world.She is off-limit!He snapped out of his thought and released her. "Sorry," he grumbled while her eyes flashed with c
Klaus woke up late the next day, his eyes fluttering open to a slightly familiar room.Slowly, he sat up, meeting Vincent's blank gaze from the corner of the room. He glanced around but saw no sign of Morticia."She's home with my mother," Vincent clarified, sensing Klaus's confusion. "So Ava won't suspect anything and make Josephine worry.""Oh," Klaus muttered, and a long silence settled between them."How is she?" Klaus finally asked, breaking the stillness.Vincent raised a brow."I know you're mad at me, bruh. I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Klaus said. "I planned to once you got back, and I never meant for you to find out like that."Another heavy pause hung in the air before Vincent spoke. "I'm not sorry for hitting you. But I'm sorry for not being there sooner."Klaus studied his friend. There was still anger in Vincent's eyes, burning fiercely. But beneath the rage was something else-something unfamiliar. It was the first time Klaus couldn't read him."I'm not gonna hurt her,"
Jamie stared at the unconscious Klaus with a satisfied grin on his face. Klaus's phone buzzed on the floor, flashing the name Bunnie on the screen.Jamie's smile disappeared as his gaze landed on it."She's calling him," he mumbled, his gaze darkening.Reaching for the hammer in his pocket, he slammed it on Klaus's phone. He did it again and again until it was completely destroyed.Taking a deep breath, his eyes settled on Klaus again. "Fûcking asshole," he chuckled darkly."I would have loved to kill you with my bare hands, but... sigh... that weird guy Simon who released me said I should make it look like an accident," he scoffed. "Let's see how this goes."Simon had chosen Klaus's favorite place-the beach-to stage the "accident." It was supposed to look as though Klaus had drowned himself, ensuring it would take time for anyone to find the body and making it impossible to trace back to them.Groaning, Jamie dropped Klaus onto the sand, gasping for air."This motherfûcker is heavy,"
Vincent finally stopped. Klaus spat out blood, sliding to the floor, bleeding all over. His breath was ragged."I'm sorry," he breathed, groaning at the intense pain surging through him.Two or three ribs were probably broken from the brutal hits. Blood trickled down his lips and nose. He was a mess, marred with his own blood and bruises."Get out before I kill you. And stay the fûck away from her," Vincent growled.Sucking in a breath, Klaus forced himself up. Vincent clenched his fists, tears falling from his eyes as his best friend staggered past him.Klaus gripped the table for support, his gaze meeting Morticia's, who was in tears."Klaus," she mouthed, her lips trembling."Don't worry about me," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'll get myself treated and reach out... I promise."Morticia shook her head, tears streaming freely. "You can't just leave like this. You're hurt, Klaus. Let me-""Don't," Klaus cut her off, his voice firm despite his battered state. "I don't want you getting
YEARS AGOThe Fire IncidentTrapped in a room engulfed by flames, Mr. Addams and little Morticia were the only ones inside. The fire grew worse with every second that passed.Sirens echoed outside as firefighters desperately tried to extinguish the blaze, but their efforts were futile. Morticia's eyes grew drowsy; it was getting harder to breathe. Still, she tried her best to hold on.Mr. Addams kept trying every possible way to create a path for them to escape. Finally, he succeeded, finding a small opening."Come on!" Mr. Addams pulled Morticia and began leading her out of the fiery trap. But a crack echoed above them. Mr. Addams quickly noticed a massive, cracked beam falling toward them.It was going to crush Morticia.Instinctively, he grabbed her and threw her through the small opening, just as the beam came crashing down on him."No!" Morticia's high-pitched scream pierced the air. Her father gave her one last look before taking his final breath."Dad!" Morticia screamed, tryin
It was evening when Rhea finally finished helping Old Nana on her farm, gathering corn and grains. They chatted and laughed, leaving Valerie wondering if they had known each other long before they met.Her attention lingered on Rhea's smile-the way her dimple appeared whenever she stretched, making her look even more beautiful.By evening, Old Nana promised to make something special for dinner. Rhea offered to help, but the old woman refused.Reluctantly, Rhea gave up and joined Valerie, who was sitting outside staring at the night sky."Hey," Rhea greeted, and Valerie smiled at her."Sorry my Nana has been stressing you," Valerie mumbled."No... it's fun here. She reminds me of my grandmother. She loved taking me to the farm. Doing it with Old Nana feels like a breath of fresh air. With Morty not around, I feel relaxed here," Rhea chuckled."She is kind of extravagant sometimes, though," Valerie mumbled."I'm fine," Rhea assured her.Silence settled between them."So, you... you said
The morning came quickly. Ava stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open to meet the empty space beside her."Morty?" she mumbled, getting out of bed. Heading downstairs, she found Katie preparing breakfast. Her expression soured immediately."Good morning, Ava," Katie greeted cheerfully, but Ava only cleared her throat."Is my daughter down yet?" Ava asked curtly.Before Katie could respond, Morticia's voice came from behind."Mom."Ava turned to see Morticia standing beside Klaus. Both were dressed casually and comfortably."I went to call Klaus for breakfast," Morticia quickly explained."Well, I'm not having breakfast here," Klaus stated flatly."You said you would," Morticia shot back."I would, but not a meal made by her," Klaus replied, gesturing toward Katie, who simply smiled despite the tension."Please," Morticia whispered. Reluctantly, Klaus moved to the dining table, ignoring his father's greeting as he sat down.Ava watched the scene unfold, surprised. She needed to clear h
Nica heard the store door open. She took a peek, only to be disappointed when it wasn't Vincent. Ever since he left that day, she hadn't set her eyes on him."He just returned-where could he have gone?" Nica mumbled."He went to meet his old dancing team," Old Evan replied, emerging from the room behind her."Huh? I mean, why?"Vincent's dancing team had disbanded after the last competition, where they hadn't performed well. Besides, they didn't want to be part of a company owned by Vincent's family. Since then, there had been no word from the team."After you left, they called Vincent. One of them found out he was back. He said he'll be there until his family returns."Nica's face fell. Oh, great. She'd have to wait for him again._Klaus woke up from his sleep when he heard the sound of his door creaking open at night. He looked up and saw Morticia."Hey," he greeted in a whisper, rubbing his eyes. He had fallen asleep at his desk while doing research.Morticia stepped closer. "You
Rhea watched as Valerie tended to her sick grandmother. She had never thought Valerie had this caring side of hers.After the incident last night, Valerie had brought her here, to a comfortable, small apartment with just a living room and a tiny bedroom.Rhea had slept on the couch while Valerie slept on the floor. They didn't exchange a word until the next morning."You have such a cute friend," Old Nana chuckled, chewing on the pasta Valerie had made for breakfast."Thanks," Rhea replied with a small bow as Valerie placed her share of pasta in front of her."Eat well," Valerie said with a smile before going to get her own plate.Rhea's face flushed slightly red."So, do you go to the same college as my Vee?" Old Nana asked."Yes, ma'am," Rhea nodded."This is the first time my Vee has brought a friend here. It's so unlike her, but I'm happy," Nana said."Don't talk too much, Nana. Eat so you can take your medicine," Valerie said, sitting beside Rhea at the small table."I'm just cur
The skinny guy also matched forward and attacked first. Valerie swiftly dodged his punch, grabbed his hand, and delivered an uppercut, hitting him once in the jaw and again in the nose.Holding his arm firmly, she swung him down to the floor; the impact made him lose consciousness. The fight played out too quickly.Valerie swept her hair back. "Who's next? Don't be a coward and come at me bastards."The remaining two scoffed, released Rhea, and drew their knives. Valerie smirked, gesturing for them to come with her fingers.They both charged towards her at once, swinging their daggers at her.Rhea couldn't believe how fast Valerie was. And what was with the smirk on her face? It was as if Valerie was enjoying the dangerous fight.Valerie twisted and broke one of the guy's arms, his scream piercing the air. She bowed, dodging the second who tried to slash her from behind, kneeing the one in her grip several times until blood spilled from his lips. When he weakened in her hold, she smas